Denver might require green roofs on new large buildings

In November, voters in Denver, Colorado will go to the polls to approve or disapprove a new ballot initiative that would require most new buildings of at least 25,000 square feet and some older buildings to include a green roof . The roofs would have to be covered with trees, vegetables or other plants that add aesthetic value and mitigate the urban heat island effect. Although the idea of green roofs is broadly popular, the mandate to require them is somewhat controversial. Nonetheless, supporters are optimistic that voters will ultimately approve the bold and beautiful policy to add even more green to the Mile High City. Denver’s proposed green roof mandate takes cues from Toronto , which implemented the policy seven years ago, becoming the first city in North America to require green roofs. Although San Francisco recently adopted a mandate for green roofs on new buildings, Denver would be the first to transform rooftops on existing buildings through the mandate. Supporters see real environmental and economic benefits from such a broad adoption of green roofs. A new study from Green Roofs for Healthy Cities and the Green Infrastructure Foundation estimated that the adopted initiative would create 57.5 million square feet of green roofs by 2033 and generate $1.85 billion in energy cost savings and other benefits over the next 40 years. “We have all these flat roofs with all this space, and we’re not doing anything with them,” said Brandon Rietheimer, the initiative’s campaign manager, according to the Denver Post . “Why aren’t we putting solar or green vegetation up there? … We hear all the time that Denver is an environmentally friendly city, yet we rank 11th for air quality and third for heat islands.” Related: Denver food desert raises $50K for first community-owned grocery store Although the idea may be appealing, it still faces a mountain of opposition before it becomes law. “I think it would be great if we all had green roofs,” said Denver City Councilwoman Mary Beth Susman. “They’re so lovely. But the mandate is what worries me. … If you have so much support for it, then why wouldn’t the market just take care of it?” Even Denver Mayor Michael Hancock has come out against the measure, stating that it was “not the right approach” for the city. Despite heavy opposition, the initiative may prove endearing to the Denver electorate, particularly in an off-year election . Political analyst Eric Sondermann said, “I think the risk to the opposition is that it’s under the radar and it just looks good, looks cutting-edge, feels good and that no one digs into it”. Via The Denver Post Images via Denver Green Roof Initiative

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Denver might require green roofs on new large buildings

Floating sauna with charred timber cladding boasts minimal site impact

When Milan-based Small Architecture Workshop was asked to design a tiny sauna for a bed and breakfast in Åmot, Sweden, they wanted to do so with minimal environmental impact. The result of their efforts is this dreamy floating sauna on a lake wrapped in blackened timber to blend in with its forested surroundings. The architects built the compact structure in the span of two weeks as the first in a series of new amenities for the nearby bed and breakfast set in the middle of the forest. Located a three-hour drive from Stockholm , the bed and breakfast and accompanying sauna are an idyllic nature retreat for city dwellers. To minimize site impact , Small Architecture Workshop built the sauna on an existing wooden pier that they fixed up, thus avoiding digging and damaging the shoreline. The traditional Japanese technique of Yakisugi—more popularly known as Shou Sugi Ban—was applied to the sauna’s exterior cladding to make the timber resistant to weather, rot, and bugs. Related: Gigantic golden egg sauna warms up residents of Sweden’s northernmost town In contrast to the dark facade, the sauna is lined with light-colored alder wood. Visitors access the sauna through a covered space that serves as a dressing room and firewood storage room. Full-height glazing fronts the sauna, which can comfortably accommodate eight, to frame unobstructed views of the lake. + Small Architecture Workshop Via Dezeen Images via Small Architecture Workshop

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Floating sauna with charred timber cladding boasts minimal site impact

These 4 data streams provide the key to smart buildings

To power sustainable office campuses and commercial buildings, Navigant Research highlights these areas for investment.

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These 4 data streams provide the key to smart buildings

We can achieve an energy reset in Puerto Rico

Imagine a fully renewable, hurricane-proof electric grid would also cost less for operators and consumers. The innovation and tools already exist.

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We can achieve an energy reset in Puerto Rico

Scaling the Movement Toward Future-Proofed Buildings

Bridging the gap between a deep green architect and futurist seeking to drive “regenerative buildings” and the Chief Sustainability Officer at Skanska USA, one of the biggest construction companies in the country — What will it take to “future proof” our buildings and businesses in the age of pressing climate challenges?

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Scaling the Movement Toward Future-Proofed Buildings

Under construction: USGBC CEO shares an evolving blueprint

Almost a year into his new role, Mahesh Ramanujam discusses building a new generation of climate leaders alongside greener communities and cities.

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Under construction: USGBC CEO shares an evolving blueprint

We need net-zero buildings by 2050

It’s an essential building block to tackling climate change.

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We need net-zero buildings by 2050

Creating a truly green building may be harder than rocket science

Promised energy savings in buildings don’t deliver. The problem is inept modeling systems that fail to capture how buildings really work.

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Creating a truly green building may be harder than rocket science

Lessons from China’s ambitious green building movement

The nation seeks to grow this sector fivefold by 2030 with help from

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Lessons from China’s ambitious green building movement

Lessons from China’s ambitious green building movement

The nation seeks to grow this sector fivefold by 2030 with help from

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Lessons from China’s ambitious green building movement

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